Analysing data from nearly 1000 people identified with schizophrenia whose information, and that of their mothers, were held in one of two databases - the Finnish Prenatal Study of Schizophrenia and the Finnish Maternity Cohort - researchers embarked on a case-control study. Maternal cotinine levels - a metabolite of nicotine - were analysed from archive serum samples taken during pregnancy ("early- to mid-gestation") and compared across groups based on offspring who did or did not go on to receive a diagnosis of schizophrenia. Authors concluded that: "A higher maternal cotinine level, measured as a continuous variable, was associated with an increased odds of schizophrenia." The increased 'risk' of offspring schizophrenia to those mothers with the highest cotinine levels (highest nicotine exposure) was somewhere in the region of 38% and "were not accounted for by maternal age, maternal or parental psychiatric disorders, socioeconomic status, and other covariates."

Accepting that correlation is not the same as causation and that one has to be slightly careful when analysing just one biomarker, I was intrigued by these latest findings. A quick trawl of the research literature in this area suggests that this is not the first time that maternal smoking behaviour might have implications for offspring risk of schizophrenia [2]. I don't doubt however, that any relationship is likely to be complicated and potentially influenced by various other factors as we are reminded that elevated levels of maternal cotinine indicative of heavy smoking were also reported in nearly 15% of mothers of control (not schizophrenia) participants in the Niemelä study. I might also add that when it comes to other labels not necessarily a million miles away from schizophrenia, the suggestion of a link with smoking during pregnancy is not strong at all (see here).

Like what you see here? Help us make a difference to the lives of people with autism @ ESPA Research

Twitter Feed

Translate

Questioning Answers

About Me

I have been involved in autism research for more years than I care to remember. My Questioning Answers blog (http://questioning-answers.blogspot.com/) is a place to describe and discuss various research into autism spectrum and related conditions. My Gutness Gracious Me blog (http://gutness-gracious-me.blogspot.com/) is for discussions on various gastrointestinal research. I make no recommendations, I am not giving any medical advice, I am not formulating any specific opinions and do not want to get into any ethical, political or religious debates. I am not trying to change anyone's opinions, views, beliefs or anything else. These are purely blogs about science and research in autism and a few other interesting things. Any posts I make are my own opinions and not reflective of any organisation I am affiliated to. Keep in mind that science deals with probabilities not absolutes.

ABOUT AUTISM SPECTRUM CONDITIONS

Autism or autism spectrum conditions describe several presentations characterised by core issues with social affect and stereotyped or repetitive actions. Diagnosis is made by observation and analysis of developmental history. These are heterogeneous conditions which can carry various co-morbidities and whilst described as life-long are affected by age and maturation. Autism means different things to different people. To some it means a need for life-long support. To others it is part of the varied tapestry of humanity. To all it means a need to foster a welcoming society with appropriate support and opportunities.